Provisional Voting

What is a Provisional Ballot?

A Provisional Ballot is a 'voted' ballot, which is preserved and protected in a certification envelope until the voter's qualifications are determined. If the voter is determined qualified, the ballot is counted on Canvass Day. If the voter is determined not eligible the ballot envelope remains sealed.

The intent of fail-safe voting (provisional ballots) is such that those who are eligible to vote are allowed to do so without disturbing the integrity of the elections. It also protects the integrity of the elections by not counting the provisional ballots of those persons not qualified to vote.

Status of Provisional Ballots

The county Elections Board will formally meet to review all provisional ballots. You can access the State Board of Elections website or call the State Board of Elections to learn if your ballot was counted. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) allows for any person voting a provisional ballot to be entitled to know the reason why their vote was counted, if it was not counted or if it was partially counted.

How to Check the Status of Your Provisional Ballot


You will need to provide the following information:
(This information can be found on the Provisional Voter Call-in Instruction sheet given to you by the precinct worker)

  • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Information available: the second Monday after the election date
Website: Provisional Search website
Contact Number: 866-522-4723 (During normal business hours)

Protect your PIN! The PIN is your key to this information. If you lose your PIN, you must visit the Board of Elections in person to determine if your ballot was counted.

If you voted provisionally because you did not show required identification at the Registration Table, your ballot cannot be counted until the Board of Elections receives acceptable proof of identification.

Copy of current and valid photo identification or a copy of current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

You may mail, fax or hand deliver your proof of identification to the Moore County Board of Elections office. It must be received by 5:00 p.m. Thursday before canvass on Friday.